Menopause

You officially reach menopause when you haven’t had a period in 12 months, but a lot happens in the years prior to that date. The transitional years are known as perimenopause. During this time, lots of hormonal changes occur, causing aggravating symptoms and health issues. Our San Antonio gynecology physicians understand the problems that women experience, and our team is here to help you manage the menopausal years.

Perimenopause is the transitional time leading up to the end of your periods

In your 40s, or even your 30s in some cases, your ovaries begin to produce varying levels of estrogen. These hormonal changes cause a variety of symptoms. The transition period lasts from two to 10 years, before menstruation stops completely. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience.

• Changes in menstruation, including irregular periods or skipped periods
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep issues
• Chills
• Changes in mood
• Vaginal dryness
• Weight gain
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Difficulty focusing

Managing perimenopause symptoms and hormonal changes

You may feel hopeless in the face of your menopause symptoms, but our San Antonio gynecology doctors can help. There are ways to help manage your issues and improve your quality of life. Many of the management tools are lifestyle changes and don’t involve medications. Sometimes, women need hormone therapy or other medications to help with their more severe symptoms.

• Make dietary changes, such as limiting caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods, which trigger hot flashes.
• At night, keep the room cool. Buy wicking pajamas or sheets to help with night sweats.
• Stop smoking. Smoking can trigger hot flashes, and it’s good for your overall health to quit.
• Exercise to help with hot flashes, sleep issues and mood changes.
• Talk to our physicians about remedies for vaginal dryness, including vaginal lubricants and hormonal and non-hormonal suppositories.
• Talk to friends and family who are experiencing symptoms, or join a support group. Talking about your issues with like-minded women can help.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy with our physicians. Don’t rely on advice from spa employees or other non-medical personnel who advise you about hormones.

What to expect after menopause

After you stop having periods, you will have new health issues and needs to consider. Our San Antonio gynecology doctors are here to help you stay healthy and manage your post-menopausal years.

• Hormonal changes put you at an increased risk for conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease and strokes.
• Lack of estrogen creates vaginal dryness that can cause pain and urinary problems. It can also create problems with your relationships and sexual health.
• Unfortunately, you may experience menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, for 10 or more years after you stop menstruating.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs can help you manage the years before and after menopause

Menopause is a natural part of your reproductive years, but sometimes it’s hard to cope with the changes it brings. Our San Antonio gynecology experts are with you through the good and the bad, helping you deal with this time of life. Contact us for an appointment.